Willem II – Den Bosch

Netherlands – Eerste divisie, day 10.

Sunday 15/10/23, h14:30

Following a start under the weather, Willem II finally seem to have found the key to their season. Four victories in the last 5 games mark a streak that leads them just one point behind the second place in the table. Moreover, the most encouraging signs come in particular from their most recent affirmation: a remarkable 4-2 win against De Graafschap, one of the most solids lineups of Eerste divisie. In fact, before last Friday, Willem II had still to show an outstanding offensively performance: these latest four goals, combined with as many in the previous two matches, prove that their potential is unleashed – previously, they scored just 6 in the first 6 games. And today, already 9 Willem II’s players have hit the back of the net – thus making the team from Tilburg one of the most resourceful of the entire league. Time for continuity, now.

More downs than ups for Den Bosch so far – 3 wins, 6 losses, still no draws. The White-and-blue appear to be the typical moody team of the early phases of the season: capable of impressive showdowns (a 3-0 victory at Groningen’s, for instance) and of inexplicable blackouts (already 3 defeats at home) at the same time. The overall trajectory points to a medium-low championship, in line with the expectations. But Den Bosch have quality too: above all, the Polish striker Kevin Kostorz – 4 goals and one assist already. If they find some tactical balance and consistence in their performances, coach Kaczamrek’s boys can have their good time.

In the last three games between Willem II and Den Bosch, the away team has always unexpectedly prevailed. However, on Sunday the technical gap seems too deep to be filled: as far as Den Bosch is unpredictable in a straight battle, all the momentum is in favor of the Tilburg squad, which is more structured in any side of the field. And the Konig Willem II Stadium just waits for the third win in a row, in as many matches played over there this October.